THE SPOTLIGHT May 2020
Southern Lehigh High School, 5800 Main Street, Center Valley, PA
Volume 63 Issue 4
Class of 2020 Graduates at Home
Find out where college-bound seniors are heading on pages 6 and 7. Photo credit: Solehian Yearbook In This
Issue: Find out how the administration is celebrating seniors on page 2.
Learn about the cultural impact of Covid-19 on Asian American communities on page 8.
Get to know the Spotlight’s two graduating seniors on page 12.
Page 2
News
Southern Lehigh High School 5800 Main Street Center Valley, PA 18034 (610) 282-1421 x7122 slsdspotlight@gmail.com Twitter: @SLSDspotlight Instagram: @slsdspotlight Facebook: Southern Lehigh Spotlight
The Spotlight
School District Plans Celebrations to Honor Graduating Seniors by Lucas Zhang
Faculty Adviser
Mrs. Marlo Spritzer
Editor-in-Chief Saskia Van’t Hof
News Editor Alex Kane
Features Editor Kennah Salvo
Opinion Editor Saskia Van’t Hof
Our World Editor Lucas Zhang
Entertainment Editor Noelle Nelson
Sports Editor Kate Miller
Staff Reporters
Aisha Durrani Amy Schwatrz Gillian Wellington Emily Mackin Evelyn Wang Lauren McCormick Pennsylvania School Press Association 2019 Silver Rating 2018 Gold Rating 2017 Gold Rating 2016 Gold Rating 2015 Gold Rating 2014 Gold Rating 2013 Silver Rating National School Press Association 2019 First Class Rating 2018 All-American Rating with Four Marks of Distinction 2017 First Class Rating 2016 First Class Rating 2015 First Class Rating
Seniors Brianne Burns (left) and Carly Burns (right) show off their “Class of 2020” sign while spending their final weeks of senior year at home. Photo credit: Southern Lehigh High School Twitter.
Though as many students across the country and around the globe, Southern Lehigh’s seniors will not get a chance to walk at graduation and be handed a diploma symbolizing the efforts of thirteen years of schooling. Due to this fact, the school administration, in conjunction with the senior class officers, have come up with three alternatives to graduation. The first option is a parade of decorated cars, in which seniors and their families drive around the campus, with teachers lining the route with signs wishing them well. The second potential alternative is a drive-in premier of the class of 2020 video containing speeches by graduation speakers, class officers, musical performances and more. The last, but certainly not the least option is a postponed conference of diplomas where seniors and their families would sign up for a time to be given their diploma while maintaining social distancing, and they would be permitted to walk across the stage and wear their caps and gowns. All of the options have a
tentative date of June 4. “For the graduating seniors we have three different plans,” principal Mrs. Beth Guariello said in a school wide email. “All depend on when the stay at home order is lifted.” Mrs. Guarriello has also said that she wants to avoid having to hand graduating seniors their diplomas through a car window. As a result the district is doing a virtual graduation in place of a physical event at the Stabler Center. Seniors will still receive their caps and gowns. Professional photographers would be present to take pictures which could be purchased. More details on this third option will follow when health restrictions are updated. While seniors may be missing out on a traditional graduation, Mrs. Guarriello hopes one of the three alternatives can provide happy memories, and the event would be free to seniors and their families. To recognize the years spent learning, starting on April 15, the school began to recognize seniors on social media.To further recog-
nize the class of 2020, the staff delivered We Love Our Seniors signs to the home of every senior on April 28. The staff shared videos with the seniors thanking them and sharing favorite memories. National College Acceptance photos were completed from May 1-6. In addition, the Academic and Athletic Awards Ceremony, where scholarships and awards were announced, was held via Zoom on May 14. For underclassmen, the high school is also making plans. The junior class officers are planning a back to school event. Mrs. Guarriello has said that the goal of the event would be to make students feel safe health-wise at school, and to start the year off on a positive note. Mrs. Guarriello strongly emphasized that any students interested in helping plan the event should reach out to her., She can be contacted at guarriellob@slsd.org. The school has tentatively set May 26 as the date for seniors to return laptops and supplies, with more information to come.
Interested in becoming part of the Spotlight staff? Consider joining the Newspaper Journalism class for next year! For more information contact the Spotlight advisor (spritzerm@slsd.org) or the Editor-in-Chief (sn21.van’thofs@spartandocs.org)
May 2020
News
Page 3
Stay-at-Home Orders Inspires a More ‘Social’ Social Media as Online Communities Unite by Saskia Van’t Hof
With the Pennsylvania’s shelter in place order restricting our ability to communicate with each other in person, social media has become increasingly important in communicating with each other. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Now that Pennsylvania’s “stay-at-home” order has surpassed a month, social media has never felt so social. Without the ability to catch up with friends at school -- or even in person -apps like Instagram, Snapchat, twitter, TikTok, and Facebook have become more important than ever to connect people. “It’s nice to be able to check up on your friends through social media,” junior Aisha Durrani said. “It makes you feel like you’re all in this together. It’s not the same as in person meetings, but it’s nice to be able to stay connected.” Ever since the middle of March, it feels as though the whole world is online at all times. In
fact, Facebook and Instagram each saw a usage spike of over 40 percent in mid-March as a direct result of the coronavirus. While the way teenagers communicate through social media is nothing new, the amount of time people are spending online is unprecedented. Like many other students, junior Ava Godiska mainly communicates with her friends over Instagram and Snapchat, where she posts talks with her friends, posts videos and pictures on her stories, and shares funny posts she comes across. She also stays in touch with family members through other platforms such as Facebook. “Now that I can’t see people, I do notice myself spending more time on social media since it’s
all I really have if I want to stay in touch with my friends,” Godiska said. ‘I’m definitely addicted, but especially in times like these, social media keeps us talking and interacting with others, and it makes us feel less alone.” With everyone in the country together at home, many celebrities are also very active on social media in order to connect with their fans or promote their projects. And their fans are watching -- Instagram and Facebook Live views doubled within a week when stay-at-home orders were first implemented. “I think one positive of everyone being online is... getting a lot more content from the people I follow,” junior Aisha Durrani said. “I actually had this one comedian respond to a question I suggested on a live [feed], so that was pretty cool!” For other students, online communication looks a little bit different. Video games offer another opportunity for students to stay connected. “I talk to my friends a lot more now over video games like Rainbow Six Siege and stuff,” freshman Reuben Smith said. “Even though I don’t get to see anyone, it still feels the same because I get to talk to them all the time.” As the stay-at-home order stretches into weeks and months, many people feel very lucky to have access to technology that allows them to communicate so conveniently. If such a pandemic occurred had happened thirty years ago, keeping in touch with friends would have looked very different. While most people may still feel lonely during these times, thanks to social media, accessing friends is only one click away.
How Southern Lehigh Students Can Help Their Communities During Uncertain Times by Alex Kane
Throughout these past few weeks we have seen the rise of unlikely heroes. Those who work in healthcare and as first responders are risking their lives. As a result, we as the general public have a civic duty to aid them in any way we can. Those who are skilled in sewing can help the medical community by making cloth face masks based on the instructions found online. However, not only healthcare workers and first responders are in need. Due to school closings and loss of employment, many families may be struggling to put food on the table. Members of the public can donate to local food pantries, such as the one offered by Southern Lehigh, or any number of other pantries throughout the Lehigh Valley. If you are part of an organization who has had to cancel an event, see if local non-profit organizations can use the food. Blood donations are always needed, especially due to the high number of blood drives that have been cancelled. There will always be a need for blood, as people will be injured in accidents and require a transfusion. In the Lehigh Valley, contact the Miller Keystone Blood Center to learn more. Another way people can help is by keeping in contact with elderly family members and
Southern Lehigh high school students work together in order to sew masks to donate to charity. Photo credit: Southern Lehigh School District.
neighbors. Try to call a few times per week to check in and talk about what you’ve been doing. As the elderly are an at risk population for contracting the virus, many are confined to their homes and become lonely. Remember, the most effective method we
currently have for preventing the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing. Stay at least six feet away from any other person when you must leave your home, and remember to wear a mask when outdoors and in public.
Page 4
The Spotlight
Sports
24 Southern Lehigh Althetes Will Continue
Chris Andrews
Sport: Baseball School: Monmouth University
Photo Credit: Katie Ferguson
Faith Cameron
Patricia Baddoo
Sport: Tennis School: Widener University
Photo Credit: Patricia Baddoo
Nicole Cesanek
Sport: Girls Soccer School: Mansfield University
Sport: Girls Swimming School: Gettysburg College
Photo Credit: Grace Singley
Photo Credit: Nicole Cesanek
Logan Berner
Sport: Track and Field School: DeSales University
Photo Credit: Alex Filman
Riley Craft
Sport: Wrestling/Football School: Lycoming College
Photo Credit: Alise Downey
Sport: Boys Lacrosse School: University of Hartford
Alise Downey
Sport: Girls Lacrosse School: Moravian College
Mackenzie Feight
Photo Credit: Carly Miller
Photo Credit: Taylor Graver
Photo Credit: Evelyn Blower
Nick DeNave
Liam Fitting
Sport: Cross Country/Track and Field School: Moravian College
Marcus Glueck
Sport: Track and Field School: Messiah College
Photo Credit: Alex Fillman Photo Credit: Liam Fitting
Sport: Girls Volleyball School: Messiah College
Kyle Hoff
Sport: Boys Lacrosse School: University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Photo Credit: Annalise Maurer
Sports
May 2020
Page 5
Their Athletic Careers at the Collegiate Level Colin Houck
Hunter Hughes
Sport: Baseball School: Mercer County Community College
Sport: Football School: Millersville University
Photo Credit: Katie Ferguson
Photo Credit: Alise Downey
Sara Miller
Jozlyn Minnema
Sport: Equestrian School: University of Delaware
Sport: Girls Soccer School: DeSales University
Photo Credit: Sara Miller
Photo Credit: Eva Quici
Adam Noblit
Sport: Track and Field School: York College of Pennsylvania
Photo Credit: Emma McKee
Eric Vingom
Sport: Cross Football School: Lycoming College
Adrian Rodriguez
Sport: Track and Field School: West Chester University
Photo Credit: Alex Fillman
Noah Voegler
Sport: Football School: Lycoming College
Photo Credit: Alise Downey Photo Credit: Alise Downey
Kyra Lycett
Sport: Girls Lacrosse School: Albright University
Photo Credit: Taylor Graver
Taylor Moncman
Sport: Girls Lacrosse School: Temple University
Photo Credit: Taylor Graver
Lexi Stevens
Sport: Girls Soccer School: University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Swope
Sierra Williams
Sport: Track and Field School: West Chester University
Photo Credit: Alex Fillman
Page 6
Center Spread
The Spotlight
May 2020
Center Spread
Page 7
Oh the Places You’ll Go: Southern Lehigh’s Graduating Class of 2020 Commits to University
Page 8 Our World
The Spotlight
COVID-19 Incites Rise in Anti-Asian American Sentiment by Lucas Zhang
With the spread of COVID-19 in the United States, harassment and violence directed towards the Asian American community has risen as some directly associate them with the virus, which originated in Wuhan, China. Photo credit: Lucas Zhang.
A scapegoat is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency.” Throughout American history, various groups have unfortunately fallen under this term, the most recent of which being Asian-Americans. Because COVID-19 originated in the city of Wuhan, China, some people view the Asian-American community as the group to blame for the arrival and continuing spread of the virus across the United States. The inevitable linking of the virus to Chinese-Americans and other similar looking ethnic groups has come to fruition in the form of harassment and violence. “I think that the rise of the harassment and violence is unwarranted considering it isn’t the fault of most Asians, let alone Asian-Americans,” said freshman Isabelle Hoang. “If you work by
that logic, there should be violence and harassment for every race.” Across the country, as verbal and physical assaults on Asian-Americans have occurred, lawmakers and activists alike have worked to both condemn and monitor the rise in anti-Asian sentiment. In Texas, a man attempted to kill a Chinese-American family of four, including a twoyear-old child, with a knife because he believed that they were spreading the virus. New York City, which has become an epicenter of the virus in the United States, has seen an uptick in attacks on the city’s Asian-American community, with multiple cases of assault and verbal harassment being reported in the past month. Some have attributed the rise in anti-Asian sentiment to President Trump’s reference to
COVID-19 as “the Chinese Virus.” President Trump has defended his decision, however, arguing that the term is accurate to where the virus originated from; he has also condemned the rise in anti-Asian sentiment. “While President Trump has denounced the persecution of Asian-Americans, the power of his word won’t stop the harassment and violence against Asian-Americans,” said junior Joy Fan. “There is only so much that will sink into people’s minds, and some people are not perceptive enough to hear the other side’s perspective.” Regardless of where it began and how it was initially spread, three things remain true: COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate by race, xenophobia doesn’t combat the virus, and, in times of crisis, history has shown that scapegoating and hysteria don’t pull us through. Only caution and unity allow America to overcome.
Gun Sales Spike Nationally Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic by Lucas Zhang
Gun ownership is an aspect of the American identity which ties back to the very founding of the country. Coming second only to freedom of speech, religion, press, and demonstration in the Bill of Rights, owning a gun can be seen to be as American as apple pie. The importance of the right to bear arms has been a constant facet in American society, even more so in times such as these. Amidst the spread of COVID-19, sales of firearms in the United States have spiked across the country. The Trump Administration has included gun stores as “essential businesses” alongside grocery stores and pharmacies, allowing vendors to keep their stores open. Continued access to purchase firearms despite the quarantine has resulted in an uptick in acquisitions. Analysis by the New York Times concluding that close to two million firearms were sold last month, with the FBI reporting an increase of 938,221 firearms-related background checks across the union. For those screened by March’s 3.7 million background checks, buying a gun is simply another precaution to aid in weathering the storm that is the COVID-19 pandemic. With the United States now hosting the greatest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, the fear of civil order collapsing has been a prime motivator for gun buyers. Calling back to the legacy of the 1992 Los Angeles riots and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the threat of degraded government control has encouraged many Americans to become armed in the face of this possibility.
However, for others buying a gun is not an act of defense against a receding government control but instead against encroaching governmental power. With the pandemic causing state governments to exercise significant power in restricting movement to curb the spread of the virus, some people believe their freedoms are being stripped. In turn, for these Americans; being armed is being prepared to fight against what they see as creeping tyranny. Meanwhile, for many newly christened Asian-American gun owners, buying a gun is another precaution in the face of rising anti-Asian-American sentiment across the country. With some attributing the spread of COVID-19 to the Asian-American community, being prepared to fight back against xenophobia has become vital for Asian Americans. The increased distribution of firearms across the country has not been without criticism, however. Groups in favor of increased regulation of firearms, such as Moms Demand Action, have argued that the proliferation of firearms among Americans poses an increased danger as new gun owners may be inexperienced and more prone to firearm-related accidents. Additional scrutiny has been placed not on the proliferation of firearms, but instead on the decision by the Trump Administration to keep gun stores open. This decision has been identified by critics as the White House bowing to the interests of gun lobbyists seeking a profit, rather than for the safety of Americans.
Amidst concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 in the United States, sales of firearms across the country have spiked as gun stores remain open.Photo credit:Lucas Zhang.
The right to bear arms has been a focal point of what it is to be an American, and in tumultuous times such as these, to those who now exercise it, it is not merely the right to just bear arms, it is the right to defend life, family, and property.
Our World
May 2020
Page 9
District Uses Social Media to Reach out to Community by Noelle Nelson
During the COVID-19 crisis, the Southern Lehigh administration is doing everything they can to make sure that Southern Lehigh families have the information we need. They have been posting information everyday to help students adjust to this new situation. The school district is releasing information on several platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to inform students. The content that is displayed ranges from a variety of topics including: announcements, positive messages, current events of students and teachers, and more. “I think the school is doing a great job at communicating effectively,” said junior Jack Ziets. “They’re posting relevant and encouraging information during this crisis that keeps us informed and motivated.” For students and teachers, our lives have been changed drastically. We don’t get that same kind of interaction over Google Classroom or Google Meet as we do in a physical class. That’s why it’s interesting to have spirit days that join us all back together in one place again. “It’s nice being able to go on social media and have access to information such as spirit days,” said junior Lillian Nelson. “The social media accounts also give the faculty a chance to share encouraging messages or inspiring videos, which the students greatly enjoy, especially in times like now.” The administrators have also put out information for students not only wrapping up this year but also those approaching next school
With the closing of all schools in the district as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the school district has utilized social media in order to keep in contact with students and the community. Photo credit:Wikimedia Commons.
year. For example, they are updating students about AP tests and senior celebrations, but also sharing information about parking passes for students who will be driving to school in the fall. The hope is that our lives will not be drastically affected next year. “I think social media as a way to spread news considering everyone’s on it now,” said junior Joyce Sundo. “I think it’s very effective since...it reaches a huge audience as well, which is good.” The school is doing a great job connecting
and reaching students with important messages. They are adapting well to the circumstances and are providing support during such a wary time. They have also made a variety of hotlines and resources available to students if they need to talk to someone during this lonely time. One in particular they mention is the Teen Suicide Hotline. They understand spending time at home with family can be stressful, especially without an escape or something to occupy our attention.
AP Students and Teachers React to Unprecedented Changes to Exams As Testing Moves Online by Saskia Van’t Hof
For AP students across the nation, some of the most surprising recent news in response to the COVID-19 pandemic came from The College Board: what was once a three-hour exam is now reduced to a mere 45-minute online exam. While other forms of standardized testing -- such as the SAT, the ACT, and IB testing -- have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The College Board stands firmly in their decision to continue with the AP tests. “It’s all the teachers in my Facebook group have been talking about for the past weeks,” AP Chemistry teacher Rachel Saber said. “I feel a bit helpless as a teacher. In the usual format, I could tell you guys what to expect. I can’t do that this year, it’s all completely an unknown at this point, which is just one more thing to add to the list of uncertainties of the world right now. The College Board has decided to entirely reformate their tests to accommodate school closures. On April 3, they released information stating that the tests will now consist of short free-response questions that can be taken with any device at home. For most subjects, the test will be 45 minutes, along with an additional five minutes to upload their responses online. “It’s definitely necessary, but it just feels so strange,” junior Michelle Li said. “I think The College Board is trying to do their best to accommodate the different circumstances, but...I don’t think a five is going to be a real five, a four a real four. There’s so many factors that are up in the air.” For students who are taking nontraditional AP courses in art, computer science principles, research, or seminar, the entire AP test has been scrapped in favor of portfolio submissions. These portfolios, consisting of projects many students have been working on throughout the
year, have had their online deadlines extended to May 26. Many students have expressed their concerns over the guidelines. “For [AP computer science principles], we originally were going to have an exam and two projects, one project to create and the other to perform the code; but now the test has been cut down to just the two tasks, one of which we completed in class already,” freshman Evelyn Wang said. “Obviously that means we don’t have to study for the test anymore, so I was a little happy about that, but it also makes me slightly apprehensive because the grade is now focused entirely on just those two projects.” The at-home testing also highlights concerns over cheating on the test. Anticipating that it will be near impossible to monitor the use of outside information, The College Board has created open-note exams. However, the inability to control the formation of group chats, use of outside help, or even the possibility of hired test takers puts the test’s validity solely on the honor code of students. “There’s only so much they can do to prevent cheating,” Li said. “I think they;re going to make the questions difficult to cheat on -- which I’m sure is why they made it a free response in the first place -- but I think that’s also going to mean it’s very hard to get a five, the way the College Board will set the curve.” For language and world culture exams, the test has been reduced to an oratory exam, cutting out reading, writing, multiple choice and translation aspects of the test. Because the focus is different from what students may have traditionally learned in class, native speakers and immersion students will likely benefit, but others may be at a disadvantage.
The College Board has modified AP testing for students this spring. Photo credit: College Board.
“I’ve been speaking Spanish for 11 years now, so the fact that this test is all speech-oriented makes my experience in immersion a huge advantage over other students in my class,” said junior WIll Corvino, who was part of the district’s Spanish Immersion program beginning in first grade. “The non-immersion program is generally taught through grammar, so in class the non immersion kids generally do better in the writing portion where grammar and stuff is more emphasized.” With exams still several weeks away, there is much that is still undetermined about the test. For now, students must wait until late April to receive more information from The College Board. While these changes have been anxiety inducing for some, students and AP teachers alike hope they will be able to adjust before testing begins in May.
Page 10 Arts and Entertainment
The Spotlight
At Home Concerts Connect Audiences Worldwide by Kate Miller
Organization and companies around the world are working to bring the music experience to people’s homes. Photo credit: Bradcasting Cable.
As the world adjusts to the new temporary norm, many artists have moved their shows to live streams. During this time of hardship so many artists are unable to tour and so many people stuck at home. Now that venues are closed, there are still shows you can watch from the comfort of your own room. The biggest platform for live streams is One
World: Together at Home by Global Citizen. The World Health Organization and the UN asked Global Citizens to support their COVID-19 response and bring the world together through music. They hope to inspire everyone to take action in their communities. With an exceptional group of artists, Global Citizen is now launching One World: Together At
Home. On April 18th, there was a broadcast filled with heartwarming stories from the frontlines of the Covid-19 Response along with performances from Elton John, Taylor Swift and Billie Eillish. Appearances will be curated by Lady Gaga and hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert. In addition, many artists are hosting their own live streams ranging from Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello to Train on the Global Citizen’s website. Other artists have taken to their instagram accounts to spread hope through their music. Miley Cyrus launched a social media show, “Bright Minded: Live with Miley,” which will air live on Instagram every weekday at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT. Diplo and Major Lazer will be going live three times a week until they’re able to hit the road again. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night you can check out their themed #COVIDseries sets. BTS’ “Bang Bang Con” livestream concert series kicks off with four of eight classic shows, spread out over two nights. The live stream started at 12 p.m KST/11 p.m. ET on April 18th and 19th. The Quarantine Concert Series was broadcasted live at 5 p.m. PST on April 17 and 18 to raise money for MusiCares. Performers included Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon, James Otto, Troubadour 77, among others. Pickathon started a Concert A Day on April 8th and continued for the next 60 days. Everyday at 1:00PM (PDT) Pickathon will premiere a full set from the past with support from the Recording Academy, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Each concert will remain up for only 3 days before being taken down. On May 1st iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ 102.7 KIIS FM hosted a Virtual Prom for Southern California students live at 6:30 p.m. PST on KIIS FM’s YouTube channel. The event will feature DJ sets from Joe Jonas, Dillon Francis and Loud Luxury, a special guest appearance from Lauv and more.
DIY Stylists Dominate Hair Trends in Quarantine by Noelle Nelson
Quarantine leads to dramatic hair changes all around the world. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Recently, many people have decided to take it upon themselves to DIY their hair at home, whether it be dying their hair a new color or chopping it all off. The question is...what inspired such widespread experimentation with hair? Due to social distancing, salons are closed, making it impossible for people to come in for their cut or color. “I think that people are stuck at home and bored and looking for something fun to do,” junior Megan Albanese said. “Since people aren’t meeting up with anyone, there isn’t any need to worry about what would happen if you mess up or you end up not liking it.” In a recent study by Hair Rx, 68% of women are unhappy with their hair. If most women hate their hair, it only makes sense to see an increased change in appearance when people are in quarantine. “I think people are changing their hair during quarantine because they are bored and they know no one will see them because they are no longer worried about being judged for their hairstyles,” junior Kayla Howie said. “For example, a lot of people are dying their hair but not normal colors; people are dying their hair green and bright pink. It’s been interesting for me for sure, but I do
know some people who have been able to pull it off.” Beyond the simple touch-ups, recent trends have taken cutting and coloring your hair to new levels. Through the internet and social media, many trends for transforming hair have gone viral. Some of these include: shaving heads, emo-style hair color, neon hair, bleached hair, rainbow hair, and more. To parallel this transformation in appearance, many hair stylists, including Brad Mondo and Sam Villa Hair Tutorials, are releasing tutorials of proper techniques to DIY hair at home on YouTube. Hair stylists still want people to look good during quarantine. After this situation, they know the salons will be flooded by people who need their hair fixed, and they want to see as little damage as possible. With all the craziness that has happened in 2020, having some change in our lives might be the best idea. There has been so much negativity that cutting off or changing the hair that’s filled with negative feelings may give society a fresher, more positive outlook. Being at home may not be our favorite thing, but we certainly can use this time for personal growth, especially with our hair.
May 2020
Arts and Entertainment
Page 11
Coming-of-Age Stories that Defined Seniors’ Experiences by Noelle Nelson, Kate Miller, and Kennah Salvo
Photo credit: Netflix.
Photo credit: 20th Century Fox..
Wonder (2017) “It’s nice to see a movie where someone isn’t appreciated and is picked on for the way they look, because it shows how you can get through anything and all the criticism. It made me feel good inside and gave me confidence that I am strong and can get through anything”
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) “Lara Jean is relatable to me. She has quirks and isn’t ‘the perfect girl.’ Lara Jean is the underdog of the story since she isn’t the most outgoing or popular person, but it worked out for her in the end and when you find a character relatable to you, it’s easy to enjoy the story more.”
Glee (2009-2015) ““Well first it revolves around singing and performing which I love to do and it also shows how everyone can feel free to be themselves and the glee club creates an environment where people can express that and do what they love and never feel ashamed.”
-Jess Beltz
-Abigail Haelig
Photo credit: Lionsgate Productions.
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) “I related a lot to Cameron, because I feel like I had friends who helped me come out of my shell and live my best life. Also, I think that my confidence has grown a bit throughout high school, like Cameron. But I think what I tried to take away from the movie is from one of it’s most faous lines: ‘life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while you might miss it.’ I tried to make the most out of my high school both with education and with friends.” -Emma Herceg
Photo credit: Universal Pictures.
The Breakfast Club (1985) “I like it because five kids from very different backgrounds work together and realize they’re picture perfect stereotypes.” -Micheal Karol
-Brielle Finkbeiner
Photo credit: Touchstone Pictures.
Dead Poets Society (1989) “I liked that Robin Williams was in it. This was one of his most popular roles but I didn’t get to watch it till after he was gone. Seeing him so supportive and kind, even after what happened with Neil at the end was really comforting to me. It also dealt with parental and societal pressure in very accurate ways. The kids were played accurately and sounded like actual kids and teens.” -Angelo Sackett
Page 12
Odds and Ends
The Spotlight
May 2020
Spotlight Staff Bids Farewell to Our Seniors by Saskia Van’t Hof
Kennah Salvo: Features Editor
Photo credit: Kennah Salvo.
When Kennah Salvo first signed up for Newspaper Journalism, she had pretty low expectations. She was new to Southern Lehigh and unfamiliar with the schedule and building, let alone the inner workings of the school newspaper. “I didn’t think [the class] was going to be anything. I thought it would be another one of those where you read from a textbook and then
you do a worksheet for homework,” Kennah said. “I didn’t think I would actually be doing so much writing and editing and designing. I really liked it.” Three years later, Kennah has amassed nearly two dozen articles to her name and has worked as both the editor for the features section as well as the news section. Although Kennah enjoyed writing poems and short stories in her free time before joining the paper, journalistic writing was something she had never done before. “I don’t generally let people read what I write,” Kennah said. “Even though it’s a little different in the newspaper because it’s mostly nonfiction and I’m only telling people news as it is, it was still a very different experience having real people read what I published. I didn’t like when people would come up to me to say that they liked my writing, so it was definitely an adjustment at first.” However, working for the newspaper helped Kennah learn how to be much more confident in her ability to stand behind her work and become a leader. As an editor, she is also proud of how much she has improved in terms of layout design. “I think the newspaper taught me a lot of important skills that I wouldn’t have been able to get in a typical class,” Kennah said. “As a journalist I’ve learned how to recognize faulty journalism because I’m forced to face it, and as an editor I’ve learned how to become better at giving people feedback on their writing and helping them.” Outside of the newspaper, Kennah is co-president of Feminist Student Association, and Channel 2 Spartan News (WSOL). She enjoys playing piano and guitar, writing, reading, and hanging out with
her friends and family in her spare time. Kennah’s favorite part of high school has been the bonds she has made with different people. Mrs. Lauren Tocci stands out as a memorable teacher for Kennah because of her “eclectically weird but amazing” presence and as the teacher of one of Kennah’s favorite classes, Honors English 10. Mrs. Marlo Spritzer is also one of Kennah’s favorite teachers, because “she’s had me since I moved here and has always been the one to push me when I’m slacking and help me get better.” One of Kenna’s favorite memories from high school is of a field trip with her journalism class and Mrs. Spritzer. “Whenever I think about really fun times in high school, I always look back on that one bus ride we took to Penn State for the Pennsylvania State Press Association competition,” Kennah said. “We were playing a game where we made stories about people we drove by. It was just a really fun bus ride, and sometimes I just think about it and chuckle.” Kennah looks forward to bringing aspects of her job as a journalist to her transition to college in the fall. She will be attending majoring in english and minoring in spanish at Cairn University. She would love to travel to Spain one day to study abroad. Even as she looks forward to her new life in college, Kennah knows that she will miss those she will leave behind. As a final message to upcoming high schoolers, Kennah’s message is short but nonetheless important: “Pick good friends and they will help you succeed.”
Kate Miller: Sports Editor Sports editor Kate Miller may have only been with the Spotlight publication for one year, but she made sure to leave a mark. With three years of yearbook experience under her belt, Kate quickly put her layout and design talent to use and was promoted from staff writer to page editor within weeks. Outside of the newspaper, Kate has also been involved in several clubs throughout her years at Southern Lehigh. On top of the Spotlight, she is also involved with yearbook, NHS, Spartan Ambassadors, and Teen Counseling. When she’s not in the publication lab making final touches to her work, she enjoys reading, watching Netflix, and listening to music (which can range from Broadway to the Beatles). Another big aspect of Kate’s high school life has been her love of volleyball. While she may not be continuing her athletic career into university, it’s safe to say that she’s spent some of the best moments of her life on the volleyball court. “Winning districts for volleyball was probably the proudest I’ve ever been. I distinctly remember the moment we actually won,” Kate said. “Everyone started sprinting onto the court, and we were all so unbelievably happy. This game was a pretty big deal for us, and it was probably the best game I’ve ever played. We had been working towards it since the first day of practice, so the fact that winning districts lead us all the way to the state finals was unbelievable.” Throughout high school, Kate has also discovered another rivaling passion: journalism. Even though this year was Kate’s first official year on the Spotlight staff, her connection to the newspaper actually began during when she was just a freshman. When signing up for freshman classes, Kate decided to take Introduction to Journalism, which was at the time the prerequisite for both yearbook
and newspaper. “I was actually very interested in journalism and I wanted to either do yearbook or newspaper because Ireally enjoyed the graphic design and writing aspect of it,” Kate said. “Even then I could really see myself doing something like it in the future, and now I’m going to college for journalism.” Although Kate decided to join yearbook during her sophomore year, her curiosity about the school newspaper was always in the back of her mind. During her senior year, she decided to take on newspaper on top of her yearbook duties, becoming the only person in the school to be part of both courses. “I really didn’t mind the switch. I was able to write articles I was interested and enthusiastic about, and doing both for one year was definitely a good experience,” Kate said. Her favorite article, an opinion piece about university titled “Are Seniors ready for Life After Graduation?” cemented her belief of wanting to study journalism after high school. “As soon as I mentioned my idea for it, I immediately started writing and got lost in the whole flow of it,” Kate said. “I hadn’t felt that in a long time, but I was excited and interested and I didn’t procrastinate on it. I didn’t realize how much I missed feeling that excited about doing something.” In the fall, Kate will be attending Ithaca College to pursue a degree in Journalism. She is also thinking about minoring in English or psychology, mostly because of how much her AP English and psych classes have enriched her high school life. One day, Kate wants to take her journalism degree to television and become a producer for a late night talk show. For now, Kate knows she will miss her teachers
Photo credit: Kate Miller.
most. Whether it’s acting out “King Lear” with Mr. Castagna or ranting about a stressful day to Mrs. Tocci, teachers will always be one of Kate’s favorite parts about high school. For upcoming high schoolers, this is Kate’s advice: ”Cherish the moments you have. High school might not seem fantastic for everyone, but if you find the classes and activities you enjoy. you will find people with similar interests. Friends, and also teachers, make a big difference so try to get to know everyone.”